Melissa Meisel, Associate Editor10.06.14
For around $3 a box, at-home formulators can find a variety of uses for baking soda, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate. The ancient Egyptians used natural deposits of natron, a mixture consisting mostly of sodium carbonate decahydrate, and sodium bicarbonate. The natron was used as a cleansing agent like soap. In 1791, a French chemist, Nicolas Leblanc, produced sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. In 1846, two New York bakers, John Dwight and Austin Church, established the first factory to develop baking soda from sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.
Here’s a look at ways to use this innovative ingredient from head to toe:
Here’s a look at ways to use this innovative ingredient from head to toe:
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For smooth, radiant skin, give yourself a gentle facial and body scrub with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, helpful to do before applying products like self-tanners and lotions. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate skin and remove dead skin cells. Be careful to avoid eye area. Rinse clean with warm water. Leaves skin feeling nourished and refreshed. Gentle enough for daily use!
- Dip a nailbrush into baking soda and scrub nails and cuticles. Make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub in a gentle, circular motion over hands and fingers to exfoliate and smooth. Rinse clean with warm water and apply polish as usual.
- Blend two tablespoons of baking soda in a basin of warm water. After a nice soak, make a scrub using three parts baking soda and one part water. Follow with an application of a rich moisturizer and a warm towel foot wrap. Let sit for 5-10 minutes. Feet will feel smooth and clean. Apply polish if desired.
- Get rid of product buildup by sprinkling a small amount (quarter-size) of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.
- Make sure summer flowers, food cooking on the BBQ and the salt of the sea are the types of scents you’re exposed to this season. Dust baking soda under arms as needed to feel fresh all day and sprinkle some into your gym bag. The magic of baking soda actually absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.
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For gleaming smiles, brush teeth with baking soda. Just sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush. For a refreshing mouthwash, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ glass of water. Swish the solution through your teeth and rinse. Note it does not contain fluoride.
- For a relaxing ending to a long day, add ½ cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. When combined with water, baking soda goes to work softening and soothing skin. It will also neutralize irritants that the body brings to its surface as a result of a bite, skin irritation or even a mild sunburn.